Mrs. Smith, Patrick Evans, and the solicitor, Ferguson, had already identified the body when Quarles and I went to see it at the mortuary.
The professor spent a long time examining the dead man and his clothing. He was particularly interested in the collar of his coat, and in certain rents in the coat and trousers. I must confess he seemed to be looking for a mystery where none existed. A silver watch found in the dead man's pocket had the initials "R. S." on it, and a signet ring on his finger also bore these initials. There could be no doubt of the man's identity.
"What are you looking for?" I asked.
"Nothing——"
"That presentiment is misleading you."
"Maybe," said Quarles.
"There is no doubt that he was drowned, and there is not the slightest indication that he was the victim of foul play before he was in the water."
"I am inclined to agree with you."
"The only question is whether his death was the result of an accident or whether he committed suicide."
"I shouldn't like to express an opinion," Quarles returned shortly. "By the way, Wigan, who found the body?"